Membrane Permeation Temperature Adjustment for Methane Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biogas purification methods face challenges in achieving consistent methane concentration in the output gas stream, leading to inconsistent operation of equipment and increased costs due to high carbon dioxide content and methane losses during separation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage membrane permeation facility with multiple membrane separation units and a temperature adjustment mechanism using a heat exchanger to optimize methane concentration, where each unit uses membranes more permeable to carbon dioxide than methane, allowing for precise control of methane concentration through temperature adjustments based on real-time measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If membrane separation is used to purify biogas, then carbon dioxide is removed and methane concentration is improved, but methane losses occur during the separation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts operating parameters (temperature, pressure) of the membrane separation process to optimize the balance between methane concentration in the permeate and methane retention in the retentate, minimizing losses while achieving purification goals
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by measuring methane concentration in the permeate stream and adjusting operational parameters accordingly to maintain optimal separation efficiency and minimize methane losses
2Adaptability or versatility
If high carbon dioxide content is present in biogas, then the gas can be produced from various organic matters, but the calorific value is reduced and compression costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies physical parameters (temperature, pressure) during membrane separation to efficiently remove carbon dioxide, thereby increasing the calorific value of the purified biogas and reducing compression energy requirements for downstream applications
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature is adjusted to optimize membrane separation, then methane concentration control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes temperature adjustment strategies to achieve the required methane concentration control while minimizing energy input, by identifying optimal temperature ranges that maximize membrane selectivity without excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural temperature variations and heat recovery from the membrane separation process itself to maintain optimal operating conditions, reducing the need for external heating or cooling energy input
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the production of a methane-rich gas stream with consistent concentration, minimizing methane losses and reducing purification costs by optimizing the separation process, ensuring stable operation of equipment using biomethane.
Implementation Method 1
each membrane separation unit comprising at least one membrane that is more permeable to carbon dioxide than to methane
Implementation Method 2
at least one means for adjusting the temperature of the first retentate at the inlet of the second membrane separation unit as a function of the measurement recorded by the first measuring means
Data Source
AI summary
A facility and method for membrane permeation treatment of a feed gas flow containing at least methane and carbon dioxide that includes a compressor, a pressure measurement device, at least one valve, and first, second, third, and fourth membrane separation units for separation of CO2 from CH4 to permeates enriched in CO2 and retentates enriched in CH4, respectively. A temperature of the first retentate is adjusted at an inlet of the second membrane separation unit with at least one heat exchanger as a function of the measured CH4 concentration in such a way so as to reduce the determined difference.